On March 30, 2016, U.S. Senator Patty Murray and U.S. Congressman Robert C. "Bobby" Scott sponsored a Congressional Briefing on Early Childhood Homelessness in the United States.
The briefing provided an overview of early childhood homelessness, including available federal data as summarized in “Early Childhood Homelessness: A 50 State Profile (PDF),” recently released by the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary, Early Childhood Development (ODAS-ECD) at the Administration for Children and Families. Panelists described local and state innovations in increasing homeless children’s access to quality early childhood programs, as well as the remaining challenges they face. ODAS-ECD reviewed steps that it has taken to remove barriers to early childhood programs, including CCDF, Head Start, and technical assistance activities.
Moderator:
- Barbara Duffield, Director of Policy and Programs, National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth (bio (PDF); remarks (PDF))
Panelists:
- Linda K. Smith, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Office of Early Childhood Development, Administration for Children and Families (bio; Powerpoint (PDF))
- Kresta Horn, Director of Children and Youth Services, UMOM New Day Centers; Phoenix, AZ (bio (PDF); testimony (PDF))
- Stephanie, parent (Video) visit the National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth website
- Khari Garvin, Director, Great Expectations Initiative; Forsyth County, NC (Former North Carolina Head Start State Collaboration Director) (bio (PDF); testimony (PDF))
- Carie Bires, Policy Manager, Ounce of Prevention Fund, Chicago, IL (bio (PDF); testimony (PDF))